Obituary of Miss Dorothy Van Schaick

Dorothy Van Schaick, 88, of Palatine Bridge, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2013 after a long illness. The eldest child of Jay W. and Louisa Soden Van Schaick, Dorothy was born January 18, 1925 on the family farm, located on Carlisle Road in the Town of Root. She was predeceased by her sister Norma Jean, and her brother Francis. She is survived by her brothers, George (Barbara) of Rotterdam, NY, and Leonard (Lois) of Ballston Spa, NY; four nieces and two nephews; several grand-nieces and nephews; and many friends. After graduating from Canajoharie High School in 1942, Dorothy was employed by the Beech-Nut Packing Company - first as a mail clerk, later advancing to the position of Librarian. While employed with Beech-Nut, Dorothy's enjoyment of food preparation and catering small parties, led to a career in food service management. Among other places, she was employed by St. Mary's Hospital in Amsterdam; Pittsfield Hospital; St. Catherine's Home for Children in Albany; and Warwick Conference Center (Reformed Church in America), Warwick, NY. Dorothy returned to Canajoharie following her formal retirement, and took a position with the Montgomery County Meals on Wheels program at Arkell Center. During her lifetime, Dorothy received many certifications from the Dietary Management Association and the Hospital, Institution and Education Food Service Society. She was a member of Mapletown Grange #613, Montgomery County Pomona Grange, and was a Flora Degree member of the NYS Grange; was a past-president of the Mohawk Valley Business and Professional Women's Club; and was a lifetime member of the Currytown Reformed Church, where she held the office of deacon and worked on many committees. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, as well as traveling to Greece, Kenya, Turkey, The Netherlands, and touring the US. Friends are invited Thursday May 2 at 10 a.m. to share a time of remembrance and prayer at the Currytown Reformed Church, followed by an 11 a.m. memorial service officiated by Rev. William Faulkner. Interment will be at the Charleston Four Corners Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, 199 Water St, 23rd Floor, NY, NY 10038 or the Currytown Reformed Church, 665 State Hwy 162, Sprakers, NY 12166. Dorothy's family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of the Palatine Nursing Home who cared so lovingly for her. Online remembrances may be made at www.houghtalingandsmith.com